CVE-2019-5453 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the Nextcloud Android app prior to version 3.3.0 allowed unauthorized access to files, bypassing lock protection.

Understanding CVE-2019-5453

The CVE-2019-5453 vulnerability in the Nextcloud Android app could lead to an authentication bypass, enabling access to files without proper authorization.

What is CVE-2019-5453?

The issue in the Nextcloud Android app version 3.3.0 allowed users to access files even when lock protection was prompted and when switching to the Nextcloud file provider.

The Impact of CVE-2019-5453

This vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive files, compromising user data and privacy.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-5453

The technical aspects of the CVE-2019-5453 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allowed users to bypass lock protection in the Nextcloud Android app, granting access to files without proper authentication.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: com.nextcloud.client
Vendor: Nextcloud
Affected Version: 3.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized access was possible by exploiting the authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel (CWE-288).

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-5453, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Nextcloud Android app to version 3.3.0 or later.
Avoid accessing sensitive files until the app is patched.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software and applications to the latest versions.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Nextcloud has released version 3.3.0 to address this vulnerability. Ensure all users update to the patched version to mitigate the risk of unauthorized file access.